A scheme to build new high school for West Calder have been officially rubber-stamped.

Planning permission has been approved for the brand new 1100 capacity secondary school on the eastern side of the village near Parkhead Primary, which will include a swimming pool, floodlit 3G sports pitch, and sports facilities for school and community use.

The new school is West Lothian Council’s largest ever single investment in education.

It is being developed through Hub South East Scotland, with Morrison Construction appointed to build the new school.

West Lothian’s executive councillor for education Lawrence Fitzpatrick was joined by West Calder High School pupils and representatives from West Lothian Council, Hub South East and Morrison Construction to mark the occasion.

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: “I’m delighted to see the project to deliver the new £32 million West Calder High School, the council’s largest ever investment in education, is progressing well.

“The modern, high-quality school will be a fantastic resource for local young people, providing an ideal learning environment for them to achieve their full potential.

“A local liaison has been formed between the council, local community and the contractors to keep the West Calder community informed of any development, and address any issue that may arise from a project of this scale.”

The new school will open in 2018, and has been designed with the pupil experience at the core, as well as providing facilities accessible to the local community.

A new £5.5million rail overbridge and access road is currently being built that will provide a direct link to the school from the A71.

Chief executive of Hub South East Scotland, Paul McGirk, said: “It’s exciting to reach this major milestone in the development.

“The new West Calder High School will allow pupils and staff to enjoy modern, fit-for- purpose facilities and the community will benefit from investment in the local area.

“We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with West Lothian Council to make these plans a reality.”

Billy Gray, framework manager for Morrison Construction added: “This is a fantastic new development for West Calder and we’re delighted to be an integral part of it in partnership with West Lothian Council and Hub South East.

“As well as building a high-quality new facility, we will work hard with all stakeholders involved to maximise the opportunities that this project can create for local people and local businesses.”